How to manage chronic hepatitis B infection?

Answered by: Dr BS Anand | Gastroenterologist, Houston, USA

Q:I am a 32 year old male and have been HBV (Hepatitis B) positive since 7 years, when I was first detected during blood screening for blood donation. Since then I have taken Interferon and others (HaptoGlobulin, etc). Since then, I have always been HBeAg negative and all the Liver Function Tests have been normal, except for some minor deviations 7 years ago. How do you evaluate me?
And more recently, I have completed taking Lamivir HBV (Lamivudine Tablets 100 mg) since 6 weeks. But I have not been able to get an HBsAg test done. Do suggest me what to do.

A:I wish you had provided the complete results of your liver tests. Anyhow, we generally do not treat people who are hepatitis Be antigen negative and have normal liver enzymes. These findings suggest low level of viral replication and is usually associated with a good long term outcome. It would be useful to know your anti-HBe and HBV-DNA status.